Has your real estate agent spoken to you about hosting an open house? I’m sure you’re wondering what to expect and how to prepare.
When you put your home on the market, your agent may ask you to open the home to the public. Typically, this happens on a weekend, during the day, and only for a few hours. You’ve probably seen the “Open House” signs that go up in neighborhoods. Let me explain what you can expect from your open house and give you some practical tips for preparing.
Preparing for an Open House
Let’s just get this out of the way right off the bat… homeowners should not be at their own open house. It can make potential buyers feel awkward and hurt your chances of securing an offer. Aside from making yourself scarce, what are other ways to ensure you have a successful open house?
It’s important to look at the property from a buyer’s perspective. When people walk through your home will they react with enthusiasm or will they react with distaste? It can be tough after many years in your mountain home to get rid of things, some that you may still be using. Regardless, it’s best to take a hard look are your stuff and either throw it away or move it to a storage unit.
Some great advice is to make your home look like a “model home.” Buyers don’t want to open a closet and see it packed with twenty-year-old ski clothes, gear, and games. They want to see how big the closet is! Do you have plants inside? Get rid of them. Do you have a garage or basement shop area full of old stuff? Get rid of it. Do you have a refrigerator, freezer, or pantry full of food? Eat it, or get rid of it. Do you have walls filled with family photos? Take them down, fix the holes, and repaint the wall.
Open House Safety
When you open your home to be viewed by the public, you don’t have control over who will be walking your property. There is always the chance that someone with ill intentions will enter. Thankfully, this is not as common as some might think. With modern home security and cameras, would-be thieves are much more likely to find an easier target than an open house.
That being said, there are some precautions that you can take to protect yourself and your property when holding an open house. I suggest discussing this in-depth with your real estate agent and formulating a plan that you are comfortable with.
- Remove all of your valuable items and take down all of your personal photos.
- Make sure that all attendees sign in.
- Let your neighbors know what’s happening. Ask them to keep an eye on your home.
How else should you prepare your home for sale? It may surprise you to learn that I advise my clients to remove artwork and personal items. If you have some expensive or cherished paintings in your home and you plan to take them with you, then now is the time to remove them. If you’d like to keep the pool table, it’s best to move it now!
How Can I Help?
I hope that you’ve found this information on what to expect from an open house useful. Please reach out to me if you ever want to know more or if you are interested in buying or selling a home. I want to provide my clients with interesting and up-to-date information so they can make informed decisions. If you think that my expertise and positive attitude might be of service to you don’t hesitate to reach out and contact me.
Would you like more information on the Vail Valley/Cordillera area or the real estate market specifically? To receive my detailed monthly market report immediately, click here!
Robert Schilling
Coldwell Banker Global Luxury Specialist
Coldwell Banker Distinctive Properties
(970) 390-0705
[email protected]